Inmate back in custody

After brief escape, police able to apprehend suspect

MANISTIQUE – A 25-year-old Schoolcraft County Jail inmate is now back in custody following a brief hiatus Monday evening. According to a press release issued by Schoolcraft County Sheriff W. John Norrington, the inmate had been released to attend a counseling program, but never arrived at the intended location.

Using a community service pass by the court and a program pass from the jail, the inmate left the jail at approximately 7:25 p.m. to attend a 7:30 p.m. program on Main Street. After the inmate failed to appear at the session by 7:45 p.m., deputies immediately began searching the surrounding area.

At 10:05 p.m. the inmate was found in a parking lot on the west side of Manistique and taken into custody.

“The criminal complaint is now being handled by our department,” said Norrington. “This inmate was classified minimum security and was approved by both the courts and I to participate in community service and counseling programs to better himself.

Unfortunately it seems that the opportunity was taken advantage of,” he continued. “The investigation will take time, however, I will say that the incident was handled by our staff quickly and efficiently. Our department coordinated with other law enforcement agencies to conduct an expansive and thorough search of the city. I would like to thank everyone who assisted for their cooperation in helping us bring this situation to an end.”

Investigation into the incident continues. Manistique Public Safety Department, the Michigan State Police, and Sault Tribe Police Department assisted in the search.